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Burke County Rescue Squad reports 3,107 calls in 2025, asks commissioners for help replacing aging ambulance
Summary
Burke County Rescue Squad told commissioners it answered 3,107 calls in 2025, secured advanced EMT provider status and $130,000 in grants but needs radios, a replacement ambulance and part‑time staffing; the board accepted the report 5‑0.
Wes Taylor, speaking for the 100% volunteer Burke County Rescue Squad, told the Burke County Board of Commissioners on June 15 that the squad responded to 3,107 calls in 2025, including 111 search‑and‑rescue incidents and multiple water rescues. Taylor said the squad recently obtained Advanced EMT provider status, completed more than 10,000 hours of training in 2025 and secured over $130,000 in grants that funded equipment including a UTV patient transport system and cardiac monitors.
Taylor described pressing needs: replacement of a backup ambulance (a 1998 Ford F‑350 that has exceeded its service life), replacement of handheld radios that will soon lose compatibility with the statewide Viper system, and the desire to add a part‑time paid position to improve 24/7 coverage (the squad currently depends on volunteers). He said a new ambulance is unaffordable at an estimated $200,000‑$250,000 and asked the county and community partners to help locate a donated or low‑mileage unit.
The board voted to accept the report as presented (motion approved 5‑0). Commissioners thanked the volunteers and noted the squad’s regional rescue work, training contributions and the continued reliance on grants and donations to limit taxpayer burden.
Next steps: the squad will continue pursuing grants and donations; the county manager and commissioners indicated they would work with the rescue squad on budget and grant opportunities as the adopted budget is implemented.
